The direct method is a method for teaching English that establishes a direct association between the English word, phrase, or idiom and its meaning. It does not allow translation and teaches English using the target language only. Key principles include teaching grammar inductively, focusing on everyday vocabulary and sentences, using realia and demonstrations, and emphasizing listening and speaking skills. Merits include learning English like a first language, thinking in English instead of the native language, and correcting errors as they occur. Demerits include requiring teachers to have native-like fluency and being difficult to implement in large classes.

1. Direct Method
Unit-2 Methods and Approaches in
ELT(L2)
BEd English Sem-II
Pedagogy of English L2

2. What is Direct Method?
To teach English directly is to establish a direct or immediate
association between experience & expression; English word,
phrase or idiom & meaning. – H. Champion
• Also called Reform method, Natural method,
Psychological method, Phonetic method and Anti-
grammar-translation method
• Introduced in India in the early 20th century as a
reform in the methods of teaching English
• ‘Developed as a reaction against Grammar-
translation method’ - Rao
• ‘No translation is allowed’ - Diller

3. Principles
• Teaching is done in the target language. Mother
tongue/native language of the learners is neglected
• Everyday vocabulary and sentences are given importance
while teaching
• Target language grammar is taught inductively
• Teaching items of the lesson are introduced to the
learners orally
• Teacher and learner communicate orally in question-
answer form
• Realia, pictures or demonstration is used to teach
vocabulary. The technique of association of ideas is used
while teaching abstract vocabulary
• Listening and speaking skills are given importance

4. Merits of Direct Method
1. L2 is learnt just like learner’s L1
2. Learner avoids L1 and thinks in L2
3. Audio-visual teaching aids are used to make
learning easier
4. Emphasis is on speech. Hence, errors are
corrected as and when they made. Self-
correction is encouraged.

5. Demerits of Direct Method
1. English teachers must possess native-like
fluency in English.
2. Using only the target language to explain
vocabulary is like performing verbal
gymnastics.
3. Difficult to implement in big classes

6. Activity
• Can you use this method in your English
classroom? Why and How?

7. IMP Questions
(1) What is Direct method of teaching English?
Discuss its principles in detail.
(2) Short Note: Merits and Demerits of Direct
method